A three-alarm fire tore through a two-story strip mall in the Convoy area Monday night and heavily damaged a popular restaurant.
The fire broke out at around 9:30 p.m. at a strip mall at 4690 Convoy Street, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Firefighters were seen blasting their high-powered water hoses through the windows of Convoy Dental Arts, China Max Seafood Restaurant and another business in the building. All three establishments were heavily damaged in the blaze.
Cindy Wo, who has owned the China Max Seafood Restaurant for 17 years, said she received several phone calls and text messages overnight about what happened. She said she attempted to enter the burned restaurant to retrieve some files from her office, but firefighters said it was too dangerous.
Now, she's concerned for the wellbeing of her employees.
"The only thing is to get money for them because right now it’s burned down," Wo told NBC 7. "If I don’t have any business, I can’t pay them."
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One firefighter suffered minor burns to the back of her neck and another was cut by shattered glass in the battle.
Crews remained at the scene through the early morning to look out for hot spots.
The San Diego Police Department said Convoy Street was closed near Engineer Road, Dagger Road, and Opportunity Road.
The blaze caused an estimated $3 million in damages. The cause of the fire is under investigation.